Davao to have twin 2.3-km 'Kaybiang' tunnels

Twin tunnels part of Davao bypass road

Kaybiang Tunnel at the boundary of Cavite and Batangas is one of the more popular riding destinations for motorcycle riders from Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Aside from the beautiful winding roads of the Nasugbu-Ternate highway that lead to it, the tunnel itself is the main reason why motorcycle riders flock to the area for photo-ops.

Soon, Davao will have its own tunnel tourist spot, just like Kaybiang. Even better, there will be two; one for each direction.The tunnels will be 2.3-kilometers long. Unfortunately, you might not be allowed to stop for photos as these are part of highway.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), 56 pieces of specialized tunneling equipment from Japan, France, and Korea have already arrived in the country and are on the construction site.

The equipment includes 2 batching plants at the north and south portal, and several tunneling equipment. These include a horizontal boring machine and tools, twin header base machine/crawler excavator, twin header attachment, erecter with shotcrete machine, drill jumbo, and tunnel ventilation and dust collector, wheel loader, truck mixers, and water truck.

The arrival of other equipment and materials was delayed by the unprecedented disruption to international shipping caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now however, they are expected to arrive at the tunnel site anytime during the last quarter of 2021.

“Our contractor is almost ready with their tunnel diggers as DPWH UPMO team is looking forward to the commissioning of tunneling equipment to excavate the 2.3-kilometer mountain tunnel,” said DPWH undersecretary, Emil Sadain.

The Davao City Bypass Road project is a 45.5-kilometer, four-lane highway that stretches from Brgy. Sirawan, Toril, Davao City and will end at Brgy. J.P. Laurel, Panabo City.

Public works secretary, Mark Villar, says that the new road will improve the transport logistics in Davao Region. The road project is financed by the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of the Government of Japan with Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) Loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Loan Agreement Nos. PH-P261 and PH-P273 signed in June 2020.

Build, Build, Build! chairperson, Anna Mae Lamentillo, has shared with MotoPinas.com that the total project cost is PHP 46.805-billion and is estimated to be completed by 2025.

The project is also hoped to develop Filipino engineers and skilled workers with new technical know-how on tunneling.